Let Him Increase In Your Life · Friday, December 7th

Pastor Chris

He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease (John 3:29-30).

John the Baptist made the remarkable statement in our opening verse with regards to the Lord Jesus. Certain of his disciples had brought a report to him that Jesus was baptizing and making more converts than he. They said to him, "…Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him" (John 3:26). Prior to this, these disciples had been involved in an argument with the Jews about the question of purification; they wanted to know from John whose baptism was right.

Responding to their question, John said, "…A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him" (John 3:27-28). He went further to say, "He must increase, but I must decrease." John the Baptist exemplified true humility in our walk with God.

When you receive Christ into your heart and you’re filled with the Holy Spirit, He must increase, and you must decrease. His will and purpose must increase in your life, and your will must be swallowed up in His will! Your desires must be swallowed up in His desires; otherwise, you’ll experience the same stress, failures and difficulties that the people of the world go through. This should be a major area of focus and meditation this Yuletide.

If for instance there’s been some sinful habits in your life that you’ve been struggling to put off, here’s what God is saying to you: "My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways" (Proverbs 23:26). Give Him your heart, mind, body, and emotions; let Him increase and you decrease. The Bible says in Colossians 1:27 "…Christ in you, the hope of glory…." A lot of us have experienced the life of Christ in our spirits, but He also wants to have dominion in your soul and in your body.

How quickly you progress in your Christian walk will be dependent on how much of God’s Word you yield yourself to. The more the Word gains dominion over your life and reveals Christ in you, the more glorious your life will be. So, make the choice today to let Him increase, by letting His Word dwell richly in you.

Prayer

Dear Holy Spirit, thank you for your indwelling and abiding presence in my life; I yield my heart, soul and body completely to you and ask that your will be accomplished in me and through me today and always. Have the dominion and control over my life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

f u r t h e r s t u d y: Romans 8:14; Galatians 2:20

Daily Scripture Reading

1 Year Reading Plan : Jude, Ezekiel 24-26
2 Year Reading Plan : Revelation 9:1-10, Amos 7